The Scoop Behind Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of those fabled all natural home remedies that your grandma or great aunt raves about.

ACV has this very old-timey feel like when you would get sick at grandma's, and she'd make you drink a concoction and go to bed. I don't mean those statements to discount its proclaimed benefits. Many people sip on ACV and share the same anecdotal benefits. There was even a study performed in Japan where Apple Cider Vinegar was found to reduce the body weight of obese participants in the study. I'm not here to debate the merits of the study because like with most consumables the effect from person to person could be widely different. What I'm here for is to share some information and let you all decide for yourselves. So let's discuss the potential feel-good benefits of sipping apple cider vinegar, some fun ways to spruce up the extremely tart drink and some important warnings.

Potential Feel Good Benefits

First, the pectin found in apple cider vinegar stimulates your bowels which makes you poop. Next, loads of people swear that it can provide an energy boost similar to caffeine. ACV is also thought to assist with appetite suppression because frankly, it tastes gross. However, introducing any acidic drink into an empty stomach will irritate your stomach's lining thus also suppressing your appetite - and potentially making you feel nauseous. Lastly, for some people, Apple cider vinegar can decrease they glycemic index of carbs you eat which means glucose enters your bloodstream slower and you feel fuller longer. A satiated or, full feeling, means less desire to eat.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Again, I'm not trying to sway your opinion one way or the other. I too have dabbled in a little ACV sipping, but I did so cautiously. Still, I have no opinion. That said, here are some words of warning. Make sure to eat before drinking apple cider vinegar to avoid stomach pains and nausea. Also, never drink it straight because that sucker can burn more than a shot of tequila. Protect your esophagus from any damage by diluting the ACV in water. You can also add it to salad dressings for extra flavor and potentially still benefit from the effects. Or, you can get creative and make one of these refreshing apple cider vinegar laced drink recipes.

"The Sinus Runner"

1/4 Cup of Water

1/4 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Honey

1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1 Fresh Squeezed Lemon

1 Handful of Ice Cubes

"The Citrus Cocktail"

1/2 Cup of Cranberry Juice

1 Cup of Water

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Fresh Squeezed Lemon

1 Handful of Ice Cubes

My sinuses don't need anymore help draining so I'll have to pass on the first drink option. However cranberry juice is my favorite so maybe I'll give that recipe a shot. Don't forget that I gave up coffee completely so I could use an energy boost. Perhaps ACV can work for me too?